US Halloween Candy Prices Soar Amid Global Supply Chain Turmoil
As the spooky season approaches, Americans may be in for a sour surprise when it comes to their favorite Halloween treats. A recent study by progressive groups The Century Foundation and the Groundwork Collaborative has revealed that candy prices are expected to rise by 10.8% this year, with some popular chocolate-based sweets facing price hikes of up to 20%.
The surge in costs is largely attributed to Donald Trump's tariffs on key cocoa-producing countries such as Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The resulting increase in cocoa prices – currently hovering at over $6,000 per ton, compared to the 2020 average of $2,300 per ton – has left US-based chocolate manufacturers like Hershey's scrambling to absorb the costs.
Hershey's recent statement acknowledged that tariffs could cost the company over $100 million, prompting the Trump administration to request a tariff exemption for cocoa. However, with most cocoa being sourced from abroad and only two US locations capable of producing cocoa in small quantities – Hawaii and Puerto Rico – it remains unclear how these manufacturers will navigate the challenging supply chain.
Industry experts note that demand for candy, particularly chocolate, continues to be robust even as prices rise. As a result, some producers are opting for "shrinkflation" tactics, reformulating their products by reducing cocoa content or substituting it with other ingredients like almonds or milk. This subtle price adjustment can catch consumers off guard.
"It's not really clear how companies are approaching this right now," said Angela Hanks, chief of policy programs at The Century Foundation. "But we've all had this moment to get used to some of the tactics they're using to pass along price increases to consumers."
With Halloween candy sales expected to reach a record $13.1 billion, it's clear that Americans will be willing to pay for their fix of sweets – even if prices are higher than last year. As economist Alex Villacis pointed out, "Chocolate producers have two options: they can either just pass this additional cost to the final consumer or they can absorb this higher cost as a loss."
As the spooky season approaches, Americans may be in for a sour surprise when it comes to their favorite Halloween treats. A recent study by progressive groups The Century Foundation and the Groundwork Collaborative has revealed that candy prices are expected to rise by 10.8% this year, with some popular chocolate-based sweets facing price hikes of up to 20%.
The surge in costs is largely attributed to Donald Trump's tariffs on key cocoa-producing countries such as Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The resulting increase in cocoa prices – currently hovering at over $6,000 per ton, compared to the 2020 average of $2,300 per ton – has left US-based chocolate manufacturers like Hershey's scrambling to absorb the costs.
Hershey's recent statement acknowledged that tariffs could cost the company over $100 million, prompting the Trump administration to request a tariff exemption for cocoa. However, with most cocoa being sourced from abroad and only two US locations capable of producing cocoa in small quantities – Hawaii and Puerto Rico – it remains unclear how these manufacturers will navigate the challenging supply chain.
Industry experts note that demand for candy, particularly chocolate, continues to be robust even as prices rise. As a result, some producers are opting for "shrinkflation" tactics, reformulating their products by reducing cocoa content or substituting it with other ingredients like almonds or milk. This subtle price adjustment can catch consumers off guard.
"It's not really clear how companies are approaching this right now," said Angela Hanks, chief of policy programs at The Century Foundation. "But we've all had this moment to get used to some of the tactics they're using to pass along price increases to consumers."
With Halloween candy sales expected to reach a record $13.1 billion, it's clear that Americans will be willing to pay for their fix of sweets – even if prices are higher than last year. As economist Alex Villacis pointed out, "Chocolate producers have two options: they can either just pass this additional cost to the final consumer or they can absorb this higher cost as a loss."
Candy prices are going up and it's not good for our wallets 
. I think it's crazy that US chocolate manufacturers like Hershey's have to deal with these high tariffs from other countries, especially since most of their cocoa comes from abroad 
. And now they're having to get creative by shrinking the amount of cocoa in their products or substituting it with cheaper alternatives 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good chocolate treat every now and then? But if we're going to pay more for them, shouldn't they at least give us something better? 
. Anyway, I hope everyone has a happy and sugary Halloween this year 
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! So like, our fave Halloween candies are gonna be super expensive this year? That's harsh, right? 
. So some companies are just tweaking their recipes instead of increasing prices (or not). That's kinda sneaky, if you ask me 
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I mean, I love my Halloween treats as much as the next person, but come on! 
. I feel for the consumers who are just looking forward to some fun treats after a long year. But, at the same time, it's not like we're gonna boycott candy or anything... we'll just have to suck it up, right? 
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but also highlights the delicate balance between profit margins & customer affordability. as angela hanks said, it's all about navigating those tricky "tactics" companies use 